At DMJPS CPAs + Advisors, our internship program is about more than learning how to prepare tax returns or navigate accounting software—it’s about helping the next generation of professionals grow into who they want to become. This spring, our interns not only contributed meaningfully to our team, but also reflected deeply on what the experience meant to them.
Gaining More Than Just Technical Skills
Many interns begin their experience expecting to build technical expertise—and they do. But what often surprises them is just how much they grow personally and professionally along the way.
“I walked in thinking I was here to help with tax returns and learn the software,” one intern shared. “And while I did plenty of that, I came out with something more meaningful: a clear sense of the kind of professional I want to be.”
Another intern noted how their time with us helped bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application. “I began to connect what I was learning in the classroom to what I was doing in the office. Concepts like Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation started to click. I even learned things we hadn’t covered in class—like the sales tax deduction for individuals—which gave me a deeper understanding of how tax planning works in practice.”
Culture That Builds Confidence
From day one, DMJPS interns are treated as part of the team. Whether it’s during busy season crunch time or quieter moments of mentorship, they’re supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow.
“There were moments when I wasn’t sure of something and wanted to figure it out on my own,” an intern from UNC Greensboro shared. “But I learned that asking questions isn’t a weakness—it’s part of growing. And every time I asked for help, I got more than an answer; I got context and guidance.”
Another echoed that sentiment: “At DMJPS, I wasn’t just an intern—I was a valued part of the team. I saw how my work contributed to the bigger picture. There was never pressure to do more than I could handle, just support to do my best.”
This environment fosters more than technical competence—it cultivates trust, initiative, and a sense of belonging. “The culture here encourages you to ‘Be Greater’ in everything you do,” one intern said. “It isn’t just a motto—it’s something you feel in the way people work and support each other.”
Growth Beyond the Office
The internship experience also brought growth outside of the office. Interns juggled full course loads while managing 20+ hour workweeks during the busiest time of the year in public accounting. They learned time management, task prioritization, and what it takes to meet deadlines under pressure.
“I had to learn how to balance school and work, especially during tax season,” an intern from Campbell University wrote. “It was a challenge at first, but eventually I found a rhythm—and I grew a lot because of it.”
Why the “Be Greater” Scholarship Matters
The DMJPS “Be Greater” Scholarship was created to recognize the outstanding contributions of our spring interns and to further invest in their growth. The scholarship is awarded annually to interns who embody our firm’s core values—integrity, teamwork, excellence, and a commitment to continuous growth.
For our interns, it’s more than financial assistance; it’s a reflection of the impact they’ve made and the potential we see in them.
Read the announcement of this year’s “Be Greater” Scholarship recipients here.